CORPUS CHRISTI - A former municipal court employee pleaded not guilty Monday to felony charges that she tampered with the court's records.

Maria Benitez, 55, was arraigned on two counts of tampering with a governmental record, both state jail felonies. Her trial is set for Aug. 15 in 105th District Judge Angelica Hernandez's court.

Benitez, who was indicted earlier this month, is free on $5,000 bail.

The former senior staff assistant was placed on administrative leave last month after the allegations surfaced.

Police Chief Troy Riggs ordered an investigation that month that resulted in the indictment.

Benitez is accused of twice making false entries in March 2010 to credit community service hours to a person who did not earn them.

Benitez's attorney, David Diaz, pointed out she wasn't the only one who had access to those court records and said he is seeking various information such as police reports, witness statements and court records as part of the discovery process.

Diaz said Benitez turned in her resignation last week to presiding municipal court Judge Margie Silva Flores. Flores confirmed Monday in an email that Benitez resigned June 20.

Diaz said he suggested Benitez resign to avoid the possibility of termination, which could hurt her chances at future employment opportunities.

If convicted, Benitez could face six months to two years in state jail and as much as a $10,000 fine.